SEONA JAMES
Indigenous Cultural Connections
Seona James, is a proud Yorta Yorta woman with more than 25 years’ experience working in corporate and government. Seona founded and is the Director of Indigenous Cultural Connections, a business focusing on creating culturally respectful and safe workplaces.  Inspired by her cultural background and experiences as an Aboriginal woman, Seona is passionate about working with individuals and organisations to develop Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) and prepare and implement targeted employment and retention strategies.


Ms Natalie Hutchins, former Minister of Aboriginal Affairs appointed Seona as a member of the Victorian Aboriginal Economic Board where she supported government initiatives targeting economic growth and business development for Victoria’s Aboriginal business sector.

Furthermore, in 2019, Seona’s expertise has been recognised with her appointment as the first Aboriginal woman on the Victorian Government Purchasing Board (VGPB). Seona supports the Board by increasing their understanding of Indigenous cultural diversity and inclusion and social procurement resulting in positive economic impacts for Aboriginal businesses and communities now and into the future.

In March 2020, Seona was appointed to the Small Business Ministerial Committee where she supports Aboriginal business development and growth in Victoria.

Seona facilitates interactive and inspiring cultural awareness training to businesses wanting to increase cultural understanding and confidence to engage respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

Indigenous Cultural Connections offers a suite of specialised cultural training packages and consultation services. Clients include: Rail Projects Victoria (RPV), ArcBlue, Bank Australia, Vicinity Centres, Civilex, Headspace, Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Victorian Auditor General’s Office (VAGO), AlfredHealth, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and Accor Hotels. Seona is also well regarded as a workshop facilitator and is a sought-after key-note speaker and MC.Indigenous Cultural Connections is Supply Nation registered and a Kinaway Victorian Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce member.